Attack the Person

Description

Attack their expertise, questioning their qualifications or experience

Criticize their physical appearance or dress

Comment on their inability to make a good argument

Point out their junior status

Attack their values as being contrary to social norms

Interpret a minor error as major

Attach them to discredited others

Example

You are not qualified to make such a statement.

You would say that, wouldn't you.

And who do you think is going to believe you.

Of course you will defend your own department.

You mean you have not considered Wikkin's work? That is a
serious omission.

Discussion

Attacking the Person is a form of
distraction, forcing them into
defending themself and away from their argument. Most people, when personally
attacked, respond with a
fight-or-flight reaction and so either jump to their own defense or cognitively flee (and in doing so, drop any argument they are making).

Attacking people in public frames you as an aggressive person who attacks
those who oppose you. Other people there will consequently be less likely to attack you or
use strong arguments against you, for fear of being attacked by you, hence strengthening your power position.

A sub-division: Abusive Ad Hominem is where the person is attacked and
discredited. Circumstantial Ad Hominem occurs where an excuse is made for
the person which negates their argument due to some special circumstances, such
as the role they have.